The Division of Lung Diseases (DLD) supports research on the causes, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of lung diseases and sleep disorders. The Division is responsible for monitoring the latest research developments in the extramural scientific community, as well as identifying research gaps and needs, obtaining advice from experts in the field, and implementing programs to address new opportunities.

Research is funded through investigator-initiated and Institute-initiated grant programs and through contract programs in areas including asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, respiratory neurobiology, sleep-disordered breathing, critical care and acute lung injury, lung cancer, developmental biology, pediatric pulmonary diseases, immunologic and fibrotic pulmonary disease, rare lung disorders, pulmonary vascular disease, pulmonary manifestations of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other respiratory pathogens. The DLD has three branches: the Airway Biology and Disease Branch, the Lung Biology and Disease Branch, and the Sleep Disorders Research.